New Shark-Eating Whale Species Unearthed in California

Newly discovered whale species had teeth similar to those of orcas, researchers say

Between the years 2000 and 2005, the state of California carried out some construction activities meant to widen one of its highways. At that time, the workers stumbled upon several animal remains.

Later on, the remains were taken into custody by a team of paleontologists, who took to thoroughly studying them.

Recent news on this topic says that some of these remains belong to a previously unknown species of shark-eating whales, which most likely became extinct roughly 5 million years ago.

The claim that these ancient marine mammals used to feed on sharks is based on information concerning the make-up of their teeth.

According to Tree Hugger, the paleontologists who analyzed these fossilized remains are quite convinced that these shark-eating whales are the common ancestors of the toothed and baleen whales now inhabiting our planet's oceans.

For the time being, this newly discovered species is to be referred to as “Willy.”